Odessa Carter (Whoopi Goldberg) needs to get to work as a nanny in the home of the affluent Miriam Thompson (Sissy Spacek), but she refuses to take the bus. Odessa is participating in the Montgomery bus boycott, protesting against the inequality between blacks and whites, so Miriam decides to offer Odessa a ride to work every day. Though the community and Miriam's husband (Dwight Schultz) insist she not get involved, the relationship between Miriam and Odessa has already changed for the better.

The Long Walk Home

Odessa Carter (Whoopi Goldberg) needs to get to work as a nanny in the home of the affluent Miriam Thompson (Sissy Spacek), but she refuses to take the bus. Odessa is participating in the Montgomery bus boycott, protesting against the inequality between blacks and whites, so Miriam decides to offer Odessa a ride to work every day. Though the community and Miriam's husband (Dwight Schultz) insist she not get involved, the relationship between Miriam and Odessa has already changed for the better.

The Long Walk Home

Parental Guide

Moving Civil Rights story heavy on "N" word but uplifting.

Consumerism

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Drinking, drugs, & smoking

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Language

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Positive messages

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Positive role models

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Sex

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Violence

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Parents need to know that The Long Walk Home is a nuanced film about racial tension and the bus boycotts in 1950s Montgomery, Alabama. It contains frequent use of the "N" word, and in spite of its historical accuracy, this makes for some uncomfortable viewing. There is also realistic violence, including punching and slapping, and plenty of scenes of racial hatred and intimidation. Overall it presents a very nuanced look at the tensions of the era through individual relationships, and is an excellent addition to any teen or older tween study of the Civil Rights movement.

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Odessa Carter (Whoopi Goldberg) needs to get to work as a nanny in the home of the affluent Miriam Thompson (Sissy Spacek), but she refuses to take the bus. Odessa is participating in the Montgomery bus boycott, protesting against the inequality between blacks and whites, so Miriam decides to offer Odessa a ride to work every day. Though the community and Miriam's husband (Dwight Schultz) insist she not get involved, the relationship between Miriam and Odessa has already changed for the better.